A Body of Practical Divinity

Quest. What is it to sin presumptuously, which doth heighten and aggravate Sin, and make it more heinous?

Quest. What is it to sin presumptuously, which doth heighten and aggravate Sin, and make it more hainous?

Answ. To sin presumptuously, is to sin against Convictions and Illuminations, or an enlightened Conscience. Job 24.13. They are of those that rebel against the Light. Conscience, like the Cherubim, stands with a Flaming Sword in its Hand, to debtor the Sinner, yet he will sin. Did not Pilate sin against Conviction, and with an high hand, in condemning Christ? He knew that of Envy the Jews had delivered him, Matth. 27.18. He confessed he found no fault with him, Luke 23.14. And his own Wife sent to him, Have nothing to do with that just Man, Matth. 27.19. Yet, for all this he gave the Sentence of Death against Christ. Here he sinned presumptuously, against an enlightened Conscience. To sin ignorantly doth something extenuate and pare off the Guilt. John 15.22. If I had not come, ye had had no sin. That is, your Sin had been less. But to sin against Illuminations and Convictions, doth enhance and accent Mens Sins. These Sins make deep Wounds in the Soul. Other Sins fetch Blood, these are a Stab at the Heart.

Answ. To sin presumptuously, is to sin against Convictions and Illuminations, or an enlightned Conscience. Iob 24.13. They are of those that rebell against the Light. Conscience, like the Cherubim, stands with a Flaming Sword in its Hand, to deterr the Sinner, yet he will sin. Did not Pilat sin against Conviction, and with an high hand, in condemning Christ? He knew that of Envy the Jews had delivered him,